Questionnaire Based Survey on Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour on Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Amongst Medical Students in Sikkim
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.02.02Keywords:
Consumer Protection Act, awareness, medical students, healthcare delivery, compensation, litigations.Abstract
Healthcare delivery services and norms guiding the medical practitioners in India has undergone considerable changes over the years, which has resulted in transition of doctor –patient relationship. Patients today are well aware of their legal rights. Henceforth any breach or malpractices in healthcare delivery can significantly attract a number of litigations against the medical practitioner. A proper awareness about Consumer Protection act will not only safeguard the clinician but will also enhance the standard and safe delivery of health care services. Considering this prejudices and litigations against the doctors, this study is undertaken to assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of a medical undergraduate. This present study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and perception regarding Consumer Protection Act, 2019 amongst medical students in Sikkim and also to sensitize and spread awareness among medical students in Sikkim about Consumer Protection Act, 2019. A self-designed structured questionnaire in google form was distributed through google link to 250 medical students of SMIMS, validated through their mail id and registration number. Majority of the students (68%) had the knowledge that free medical services are not included under CPA Act 2019. 61.2% of the students were aware of the amendments made in the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and 76.4% of the students were aware that the medical services did come under the ambit of CPA, 2019. 51.6% students were aware regarding the online portal for filing an e-complaint in the consumer court. Most of the students were aware of the relevant domains of Consumer Protection Act which is plausible due to the incorporation of the CPA Act in their syllabus of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology.
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